Cigar cutter

ABSTRACT

A cigar cutter comprising two relatively pivotal parts, one of which carries two movable blades and the other of which is so engaged with the blades to cause a simultaneous radial and rotational movement of the blades as the parts are pivotably displaced with respect to one another. The blades initially face an opening in the plates in which the end of a cigar can be inserted and when the parts are pivotably displaced the cutting edges of the blades effect a simultaneous inward and circumferential cutting action on the cigar end.

United States Patent 11 1 Lefebvre 14 1 Sept. 9, 1975 1 CIGAR CUTTER Philippe Pierre Lefebvre, Arras, France [75] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: Societe Anonyme: S.T. DuPont, Paris, France [22] Filed: Jan. 7, 1974 [21] App]. No.: 431,565

[52] US. Cl 30/112; 30/109 [51] Int. (:1. i. A24C 5/12 [58] Field of Search ..30/112, 113, 111,110 30/109 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 448,116 3/1891 Brunhoff et a1 30/109 715,315 12/1902 Steineckc v .v 30/113 815.219 3/1906 R0011 1. 30/113 X 831,533 9/1906 Brunhoff 30/109 876,156 1/1908 Edwards... 30/113 1.086.920 2/1914 Kiefer .1 30/109 1,168,445 1/1916 Van Dersal 30/110 X 2,582 6ll 1/1952 Vasey 1. 30/109 UX 3,190,330 6/1965 Hawkins 4. 30/294 FORElGN PATENTS OR APPLICATlONS 573,811 3/1924 France t, 30/112 437.847 11/1926 Germany H 30/109 Primary Examiner-Al Lawrence Smith Assistant limminerl T Zatarga Attorney, Agenl, or FirmWaters, Schwartz & Nissen [57] ABSTRACT A cigar cutter comprising two relatively pivotal parts, one of which carries two movable blades and the other of which is so engaged with the blades to cause a simultaneous radial and rotational movement of the blades as the parts are pivotably displaced with respect to one another The blades initially face an opening in the plates in which the end of a cigar can be inserted and when the parts are pivot-ably displaced the cutting edges of the blades effect a simultaneous inward and circumferential cutting action on the cigar end.

12 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTED SEP 9 I975 V E m X. $12

CIGAR CUTTER BACKGROUND a. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cutting apparatus and particularly a cigar cutter.

b. Prior Art Many devices are known for cutting the end of a cigar but it can be said that they all have the common deficiency that they have one or more blades which partially crush the cigar in the region of its end when they cut the cigar.

This deficiency is the result of the operation by which the blades cut the cigar. In particular, with a one-blade device the cutting edge operates along a bias, in the manner of the knife ofa guillotine, and in the two-blade arrangement, the cutting edges are concave and approach the cigar in an encircling movement. In either case, substantial crushing of the body and even of the wrapper of the cigar is produced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a cigar cutter which overcomes the dificiency noted above and which provides clean cuts which require only an extremely small effort.

The cigar cutter according to the invention comprises two pivotably connected parts, one carrying at least two movable blades and means on the other part for effecting displacement of said blades towards and beyond the pivoting axis of said parts, said means also effecting a simultaneous rotational movement of said blades.

In further accordance with the invention, the pivoting movement of said two parts effects the displacement of the blades towards and beyond said pivoting axis and their simultaneous rotational movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a cigar cutter according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the cigar cutter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a cigar cutter according to the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, therein is seen a cigar cutter 1 which comprises two parts 2 and 3 mounted for pivotal movement with respect to each other around an axis 4.

Part 2 which can, for example, serve to enclose a chamber comprises a circular cover plate which is provided in its center with a circular hole 5 aligned on axis 4. Two spiral cam surfaces 6,7 are formed by hollowing out part of the thickness of the cover plate around axis 4. The two spiral cam surfaces 6,7 are symmetrically positioned with respect to axis 4.

Part 3 is of disc shape in which are formed two diametrically opposed rectangular grooves 8,9 having a width at least equal to that of the circular hole 5. The lateral longitudinal edges 10,11 of these rectangular grooves 8,9 are inclined to form a V, and two rectangular blades 12.13 are slidably mounted in grooves 8,9 and have longitudinal edges which are complementary to edges 10,11. The two blades 12,13 have opposed concave cutting edges. The blades are retained by two diametrically opposed traction springs 14,15 secured at the periphery of part 3 and to a respective blade. Each blade has a respective pin 16,17, which, under the action of the springs 14,15 are maintained in contact with the two cam surfaces 6,7 respectively.

The operation of the cigar cutter 1 is such that, in the rest position in which the blades 12,13 are separated, the extremity of a cigar can be inserted in the circular groove 5 and thereafter the part 3 is pivotably displaced with respect to part 2. To guide the parts in this pivotal movement, part 2 is provided with a circular groove 60 and part 3 has angularly spaced pegs 61 which ride in groove 60. In the course of this pivoting movement, the blades 12,13, are subjected to a rotational movement corresponding to the pivoting movement and concurrently to a translation movement towards axis 4, due to the action of the pins 15,17 riding on the cam surfaces 6,7.

The cutting of the cigar is thus effected progressively both circumferentially and radially with a minimum of effort.

It is noteworthy that in the disclosed embodiment the conformation of the cam surfaces is provided to permit a pivoting movement between parts 2 and 3 over 180. Nevertheless, it is possible to make the cam surfaces of different dimensions permitting increase or decrease of the angle of pivotal movement.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cigar cutter is adapted for being mounted on a box 21, but it can be mounted on any other support capable, or not. of serving as a receptacle for the cut ends of cigars.

The box 21 comprises a cylindrical body on which are mounted a base 22 and a cover 23.

On the interior wall of the box are integral molded bosses 24 serving as supports for a plate 25 which is fixed thereto by screws 26.

In its central part, the plate 25 is provided with a sleeve 27 adapted to receive the extremity of a cigar and to allow its cut end to drop into the box 21.

The plate 25 has two circular grooves 28 and 28' whose center 0 is on the axis of sleeve 27, and two circular grooves 29 and 29' having respective centers 0' and 0" which are offset from said axis. Rotatably mounted on the sleeve 27 is a lever 30 extending through a slot 31 formed in the wall of the box 21. The slot 31 extends over an angle between and and and hence the lever is turnable in the slot through an angle of 70 and 80.

The lever 30 is urged into engagement against the lower face of plate 25 by a spring 32 bearing on a ring 33 which rests on a nut screwed on the sleeve 27. The lever 30 can pivot around the sleeve and is urged to an initial position by the spring 32 whose two end branches are respectively secured to a solid block 35 of the plate 25 and on a pin 36 fixed to the lever 30. The pin 36 extends through the plate 25 for displacement in groove 28'.

Another pin 37 is fixed to the lever 30 in diametric opposition to the pin 36, said pin 37 extending in groove 28 and through plate 25. Mounted on the plate 25 are two blades 38 and 38' which are interchangeable and represented schematically in solid lines in FIG. 3.

The blades 38 and 38 are each provided with threaded holes 41 and 42 able to receive in one a hollow screw 43, and in the other a peg screw 44.

The two cutting edges of blades 38 and 38' are raised slightly above the plate 35 to freely travel thereover and the blades are disposed on the plate 25 such that the pins 36 and 37 of the lever 30 engage in the hollow screws 43 of the two blades while the pge screws 44 are inserted into the grooves 29 and 29. Thus, by pivoting the lever 30 in the direction of arrow F around the sleeve 27, the two blades are moved from the position shown in solid lines to the position shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3.

lt is seen that each blade will have two trajectories determined by the grooves 28,28 and 29,29. The first grooves 28,28 compel the blades to undergo a circular concentric travel around the shaft 27 while the grooves 29 and 29 oblige the pegs of screws 44 to undergo a hypocycloidal travel and consequently, the blades cut into the cigar until their cutting edges are slightly superimposed at the axis of the sleeve 27.

It is understood that this double movement, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, produces a peripheral cutting action at the same time that the blade penetrates into the cigar thus avoiding any crushing of the wrapper or of the interior body of the cigar.

It is to be noted that the cutting apparatus described above can be mounted on any other support than the box 2i, the cover 23 being able to be screwed directly onto the plate 25 in any suitable manner.

What is claimed is:

l. A cigar cutter comprising first and second parts pivotably connected together, two cutting blades mounted on said first part, said second part having a central hole adapted for insertion of a cigar end thereinto, and means coupling said blades with said second part for effecting simultaneous displacement of said blades both radially and rotatably as said first part is pivoted relative to said second part so that the blades cut the end of the cigar with progressively deepening circumferential cuts.

2. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 1 comprising means engaging said parts for effecting said simulta neous rotatable and radial displacement of said blades as said first and second parts undergo relative pivotal movement.

3. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 2 wherein said parts are relatively pivotable about an axis passing through the center of said hole, said second part having at least one pair of cam surfaces surrounding said hole in symmetrical relation, said blades being mounted on said first part for radial displacement towards and away from said axis, said means for effecting displacement of said blades comprising pins on said blades engaging said cam surfaces to gradually displace the blades radially so said pins travel along the cam surfaces while concurrently rotating the blades around the hole.

4. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 3 comprising spring means acting on said blades to urge said pins into contact with said cam surfaces.

5. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 4 wherein said blades have opposed cutting edges which are of concave shape.

6. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 4 wherein said parts are relatively pivotable through an angle of said cam surfaces being of spiral shape and also extending over 180 to effect radial displacement of said blades from an initial rest position in which they are outside said hole in said second part to an operative po sition in which said blades extend radially within the confines of said hole.

7. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 6 wherein said cutting edges of the blades in said operative position extend radially beyond said axis and overlap one another.

8. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first part has two opposed slots in which said blades are displaceable, said slots having a width at least equal to the diameter of said hole.

9. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first part comprises a plate with a cylindrical sleeve on which said second part is pivotably mounted, said plate having a first pair of circular symmetrical grooves having a common center on the axis of said sleeve, and a second pair of symmetrical grooves with centers offset from said axis, said means for effecting displacement of said blades comprising two pins on said second part extending through said first pair of grooves and each engaging a respective blade, and a peg on each blade engaged in a respective groove of said second pair.

10. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said second pair of grooves are so oriented to cause said blades to turn on said plate as said first and second parts undergo relative displacement such that the blades move from an initial rest position outside the confines of said sleeve to an operative position in which the blades have opposed cutting edges extending beyond said axis and in slightly overlapped relation.

1 l. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said second part includes an elongated lever portion, and spring means acting between said first and second parts for resisting relative displacement thereof from said initial position.

12. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein said spring means also acts between said parts to urge the same together axially. 

1. A cigar cutter comprising first and second parts pivotably connected together, two cutting blades mounted on said first part, said second part having a central hole adapted for insertion of a cigar end thereinto, and means coupling said blades with said second part for effecting simultaneous displacement of said blades both radially and rotatably as said first part is pivoted relative to said second part so that the blades cut the end of the cigar with progressively deepening circumferential cuts.
 2. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 1 comprising means engaging said parts for effecting said simultaneous rotatable and radial displacement of said blades as said first and second parts undergo relative pivotal movement.
 3. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 2 wherein said parts are relatively pivotable about an axis passing through the center of said hole, said second part having at least one pair of cam surfaces surrounding said hole in symmetrical relation, said blades being mounted on said first part for radial displacement towards and away from said axis, said means for effecting displacement of said blades comprising pins on said blades engaging said cam surfaces to gradually displace the blades radially so said pins travel along the cam surfaces while concurrently rotating the blades around the hole.
 4. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 3 comprising spring means acting on said blades to urge said pins into contact with said cam surfaces.
 5. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 4 wherein said blades have opposed cutting edges which are of concave shape.
 6. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 4 wherein said parts are relatively pivotable through an angle of 180*, said cam surfaces being of spiral shape and also extending over 180* to effect radial displacement of said blades from an initial rest position in which they are outside said hole in said second part to an operative position in which said blades extend radially within the confines of said hole.
 7. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 6 wherein said cutting edges of the blades in said operative position extend radially beyond said axis and overlap one another.
 8. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first part has two opposed slots in which said blades are displaceable, said slots having a width at least equal to the diameter of said hole.
 9. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first part comprises a plate with a cylindrical sleeve on which said second part is pivotably mounted, said plate having a first pair of circular symmetrical grooves having a common center on the axis of said sleeve, and a second pair of symmetrical grooves with centers offset from said axis, said means for effecting displacement of said blades comprising two pins on said second part extending through said first pair of grooves and each engaging a respective blade, and a peg on each blade engagEd in a respective groove of said second pair.
 10. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said second pair of grooves are so oriented to cause said blades to turn on said plate as said first and second parts undergo relative displacement such that the blades move from an initial rest position outside the confines of said sleeve to an operative position in which the blades have opposed cutting edges extending beyond said axis and in slightly overlapped relation.
 11. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said second part includes an elongated lever portion, and spring means acting between said first and second parts for resisting relative displacement thereof from said initial position.
 12. A cigar cutter as claimed in claim 11 wherein said spring means also acts between said parts to urge the same together axially. 